“The Old Oak has been a hub of the community for generations of Hoghton residents and is not any old business that Punch Taverns can rename on a whim, but a significant part of the lives of that community,” says the petition.

“The proposed name, The Cromwell is inappropriate due to the offence it may cause to some residents and regulars with regards to the atrocities and land seizures carried out by Oliver Cromwell in Ireland and the subsequent famine and suffering caused to our Irish cousins.”

A Facebook page has been created to support the petition.

“Cromwell has no significance to this area whatsoever! Oliver Cromwell is still burning in hell!!!” one objector posted on the page.

A Punch Taverns spokesperson said, “The proposed name change was made to coincide with the investment at the pub. We always appreciate feedback from the local community and we are looking at the opinions raised in the petition very seriously.”